A DISUSED piece of land in Worcester which was once the home of Worcestershire County Cricket Club is set to be transformed as part of a £365,000 makeover.
Bosses at Worcester City Council and Heart of Worcestershire (HOW) College have been working together to bring the Cinderella Sports Ground and its historic pavilion back to life.
Planning permission was granted in September 2013 to redevelop the site on Bransford Road which has fallen into a state of disrepair after not being used for a decade.
Work has yet to get underway at the dilapidated sports ground, which hosted county cricket matches until 1899, as discussions continued to sort out the total costs of the project.
But speaking at a full council meeting last Tuesday (February 24) David Wilkinson, cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said the development should be completed next year.
“I am very pleased to account positive progress on securing the future of the Cinderella Ground,” he said.
“Heart of Worcestershire College have agreed to partner us in delivering this facility and we have been working with the local sports clubs and governing bodies to develop suitable and sustainable facilities.
“The council has now officially contacted the developer to take up the option, so with a partner on board and funding streams in place I am confident that this site will now be secured as a green space for sporting activity.”
Coun Marc Bayliss, councillor for the area, added: “The people of St John’s and Bedwardine will be particularly delighted with the news as they are looking forward to using the Cinderella Ground.”
As well as a £120,000 contribution from HOW College, £65,000 of taxpayers money has been used to fund the scheme along with £70,000 from developers in the area. Sports England have offered £50,000, while England Cricket Board and Charles Wollaston Foundation have both backed the project, with £30,000.
A spokeswoman from HOW College said: “Investing in the restoration of the Cinderella Ground confirms the college’s commitment to work in partnership with others to provide modern, accessible facilities for students, sports clubs and the wider community.
“It will be a valuable space for students and community to participate in sport, learning and recreational activities.
“This development will have far greater benefits to the local community than sports alone, and will support the creation of healthy lifestyles and communities activities.”
